Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry announced that it successfully intercepted 56 drones that breached the kingdom's airspace since early Friday, including an attempt to approach the high-security diplomatic area in Riyadh.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry revealed through a series of posts on the US social media platform X that the drones were intercepted at various times and locations after entering Saudi airspace. While the ministry did not specify the precise interception sites for most drones, it detailed that air defenses intercepted and destroyed three drones-one in the Eastern Province and two in the Al-Kharj governorate.

In a further statement, the ministry highlighted the downing of a 'hostile drone' that attempted to reach the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. Additional interceptions include three more drones downed in the Al-Kharj governorate and the Empty Quarter desert, following the destruction of two drones in Al-Kharj.

The Defense Ministry reported that 24 drones were intercepted and neutralized in the Eastern Province. Furthermore, seven drones targeting the kingdom's Eastern and Central regions were also intercepted. Earlier, the ministry stated that defense systems had intercepted and destroyed 16 drones upon their entry into Saudi airspace.

The previous evening, the Defense Ministry reported the interception of 53 drones and the destruction of five ballistic missiles within a 24-hour period. While the ministry did not specify the origin of the drones, these incidents coincide with Iranian strikes against several Arab nations in the region since February 28, following Israeli-US assaults on Iran. Iran has stated it targets 'US bases and interests in the region,' but the attacks have resulted in damage to civilian infrastructures, including airports, ports, and other buildings.